Yummy Pho & Teriyaki — Restaurant in Tacoma

First, let me say that I've been going to Yummy Teriyaki for 5+ years, under several different owners (from the very first, the wonderful and gracious Sarah and her family). Overall, my experience has been positive, as the food is definitely above average, and the service has been excellent. I've sampled everything from the basic teriyaki to their Chinese dishes, sushi rolls to pho. All has been high quality and tasty.

HOWEVER.... After today, I won't be going back. My dad and I stopped here for lunch, as we have done somewhat regularly over the last said 5 years. We were greeted by a new face behind the counter who cheerfully took our order, but when the total was tallied up, it didn't add up. I questioned the total, and he tried to explain how the $10.99 teriyaki combo (plus $2 additional single item, in this case an egg roll) which is clearly displayed on the marquis above the counter was in fact $10.99 plus $2 TWICE, for a total of $14.99. Doesn't make sense to anyone with even basic math skills. He cheerfully argued with us for several minutes, and at one point came around the counter to see what I was pointing at on the menu board above the counter (which they recently installed). When I held my ground and pointed out that $10.99 plus one $2.00 item is in fact $12.99 and not $14.99, he said "well, the price went up". That's funny, whenever "the price(s) went up" before, it was corrected with a piece of tape stuck over the menu with the new price written on it in black marker. But, this was not a case of the price going up. He kept saying that it was $10.99 plus $2.00 plus another $2.00. I wonder how many people he's pulled this on? A price increase I can understand... there have been several over the years. But, don't try to convince me that my eyes are lying to me when I'm looking right at your recently updated menu with clearly posted prices.

Oh, and on the stupid card swipe device, which helpfully recommends a minimum 15% tip? Don't bother trying to select "other" amount... it won't let you. (that was the icing on the cake, so-to-speak... we cancelled our order and went elsewhere for lunch).

Needless to say, a place we enjoyed very much over the last few years is now crossed-off our list of local restaurants to support. By all means, go for the good food, but be prepared to be charged an additional price, over and above their...

TLDR: Bad parking situation, way pricier than usual, and decent food.

Updated review: went here again and it cost 17.80 after tax for a chicken and beef teriyaki combo (not spicy or anything). That's like 4 bucks more than every other place and the portion size is smaller than it was previously. Can't recommend this place anymore. They're busy pricing themselves out of business.

Original review;

I originally wanted to hate on this place so much based on first impressions. Parking here is a major pain. That's because the teriyaki restaurant, a gas station, a laundromat, and one other business all share a tiny parking lot.

The inside of the restaurant looked clean, so that was a plus. When I really wanted to put on my hater pants though, was when I saw the pricing on the menu board. Most of the options range from $11 to $15. That's a tough price point when you consider that this is a teriyaki and pho place. I settled on their teriyaki chicken and mongo beef combo, which was a $15 plate. The price turned out to be fair for the amount of food that they provide. I ordered to go and the container was filled full with meat and two scoops of rice. The wait for the food was about 15 minutes. Not bad considering there were other people dining in and a few pick up orders.

The food was good. Nothing amazing, but it was good. I enjoyed the mongo beef, even though it (apparently?) didn't have a sauce. The teriyaki chicken was ok - nothing special. Most of the teriyaki sauce for the chicken was on top, and it would have been nicer to have more of it covering all of the chicken. They included a little side salad and a cup of dressing, like so many places out here do.

All in all, I'd...

I live nearby and ordered pickup for the first time from Yummy Teriyaki off McKinley based in positive reviews online. I called in and was told 15-20 minutes for pickup. I live 3 mins away. Waited 20 mins before leaving the house….its now 63 minutes after my call and I’m still waiting. After waiting over 20 minutes (43 mins after calling in my order), I inquired about the status of my order. One of the young ladies opened all the food containers waiting on the counter and informed me those containers were mine but they’re “waiting on salad bc they ran out”. She told the other young lady what was going on (who had been very polite over the phone) who acted annoyed about my question and responded “they’re already working on it” in front of me but without addressing me, and neither offered an excuse or apology. I asked about the hot items getting cold sitting there and her response was “they haven’t been out that long”. When you buy $65 worth of teriyaki show up within the stated time, and tip while paying, I expect way better.

Ok so here’s an edit after opening the food. Now I have microwaved cold teriyaki from a joint 3 mins away from my house. The food is ok…probably would be better not having to be reheated. Don’t understand the hype online. You can’t really reheat gyoza… also….THE ORDER IS MISSING A SALAD. I can’t make...